Vision is one of our most vital senses, and maintaining its quality often requires the aid of glasses. As we navigate through different stages of life and various activities, different types of glasses may become essential.
Here, you can explore the primary types of glasses you might need.
Prescription Glasses
These are the most common type of eyewear, designed to correct refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia. These glasses are customised based on an individual’s specific prescription, which is determined by an eye examination. They ensure that light entering the eye is properly focused onto the retina, providing clear vision:
- Single Vision Lenses: These are designed to correct either distance or near vision. They are ideal for people who have a single vision problem, like short-sightedness or long-sightedness.
- Bifocal and Trifocal Lenses: Bifocals contain two distinct optical powers for distance and near vision, while trifocals add a third section for intermediate vision. These are especially useful for people with presbyopia, a condition common in people over 40, where the eye’s lens loses flexibility.
- Progressive Lenses: Also known as multifocal lenses, progressives offer a gradient of increasing lens power for a smooth transition between distance, intermediate, and near vision. They provide a more natural visual experience without the visible lines that are found in bifocal or trifocal lenses.
Reading Glasses
Reading glasses are a simpler, non-prescription solution for presbyopia. They magnify text and other close-up objects, making them easier to see. These glasses are readily available over-the-counter in various strengths, but they do not correct for other vision issues like astigmatism or differences between the two eyes. Just-glasses.co.uk has a wide range of reading glasses you can choose from in a variety of styles and strengths.
Computer Glasses
Many people spend a significant amount of time in front of screens. Computer glasses are intended to reduce eye strain caused by prolonged computer use. They often feature an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and a blue light filter to minimise exposure to potentially harmful blue light that is emitted by screens. Some also have an intermediate prescription strength optimised for the typical computer viewing distance.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged UV exposure can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. Sunglasses come in a variety of styles and lens types, including polarised lenses that reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and roads, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses will protect your eyes from physical hazards. These are commonly used in workplaces with potential eye hazards, like construction sites or laboratories. Safety glasses are made from impact-resistant materials and often feature side shields for additional protection.
Sports Glasses
For athletes, sports glasses are designed to provide both vision correction and protection. They are usually made from durable materials that can withstand impact and feature a secure fit to stay in place during physical activities. Some sports glasses also have specialised tints to enhance visual contrast for specific sports, like amber lenses for cricket or yellow lenses for shooting.
Fashion Glasses
While not always necessary for vision correction, fashion glasses have become a popular accessory. Non-prescription lenses can be fitted into stylish frames, allowing individuals to make a fashion statement or complete a look without compromising their vision needs.
